It’s a sight to behold: On migration, flocks of Western Tanagers pass through valleys, plains and foothills. They nest mostly in the mountains, in firs and pines, often at high elevations.

Scientific Name:Piranga ludoviciana.Family: Cardinal.Length: 7-1/4 inches.Wingspan: 11-1/2 inches.Distinctive Markings: Male has a yellow body, black wings with prominent white bars, and a red head in breeding season ( duller in winter). Female is yellow with a gray back.Nest: Three to five bluish-green eggs with irregular brown spots are laid in a loose nest of twigs high in a tree.Voice: Short whistled phrases, similar in quality to a robin’s song.Habitat: Evergreen forests in summer; any kinds of woodlands, riversides, or even deserts during migration.Diet: Insects and fruit.Backyard Favorites: Dried fruit, oranges, sugar water and native plants to attract bugs.

Range maps provided by Kaufman Field Guides, the official field guide of Birds & Blooms.

Photos

Dave Ryan

Western Tanager

Dan Verrips

Western Tanager

Information

Dave Ryan Western Tanager

Scientific Name:Piranga ludoviciana.Family: Cardinal.Length: 7-1/4 inches.Wingspan: 11-1/2 inches.Distinctive Markings: Male has a yellow body, black wings with prominent white bars, and a red head in breeding season ( duller in winter). Female is yellow with a gray back.Nest: Three to five bluish-green eggs with irregular brown spots are laid in a loose nest of twigs high in a tree.Voice: Short whistled phrases, similar in quality to a robin’s song.Habitat: Evergreen forests in summer; any kinds of woodlands, riversides, or even deserts during migration.Diet: Insects and fruit.Backyard Favorites: Dried fruit, oranges, sugar water and native plants to attract bugs.

I have had a pair of tanagers “hanging around” for about a week now. It is wonderful to see! In a normal year, I am lucky to sight them even once. I just hope they continue to stay. Any suggestions to make this happen?

More Bird Species

This stunning bird is very similar in appearance to its western cousin, the Bullock’s Oriole. At one time, both species were considered one species, the northern oriole. Their ranges overlap in the middle of the country.